Army and Navy Leaders Pay Homage to Nisei Veterans

Headlining this year's Evening of Aloha Gala Dinner are Vice Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr.(above, right), assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and four-star general David A. Bramlett (US Army, retired).

Vice Admiral Harris was born in Yokosuka, Japan, and proudly traces his Japanese ancestry through his mother. He has distinguished himself in every geographic combatant command, having logged 4,400 flight hours in operations that included Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. As the Commander of the US Sixth Fleet, he led maritime operations against Libya during Operation Odyssey Dawn. He has commanded a squadron, an air wing, JTF Guantanamo and the Sixth Fleet. He is the senior Asian American officer on active duty in the military.

There's still time to buy Opportunity Draw tickets for a 2013 Acura TL with Technology Package, with the winning ticket to be drawn at our 2011 Evening of Aloha Gala Dinner on Saturday, October 13.

The 2013 Acura TL front-wheel drive luxury sedan features a 280 horsepower, 3.5L V-6 engine, premium audio system with 10 speakers and Dolby sound, and a Technology Package that includes the Acura Navigation System with voice recognition, real-time traffic information, traffic re-routing and weather alerts, and a rearview camera that keeps everyone safer.

This past June, it was wonderful to see so many Nisei veterans renewing old acquaintances at the Los Angeles Congressional Gold Medal Celebration, and we'd like as many as possible to join us at our Evening of Aloha Gala Dinner to continue those reacquaintances.

We understand that one of major concerns for our veteran community is transportation to the event, so we're excited to announce the details of our door-to-door service for our Evening of Aloha Gala Dinner: This year we've partnered with Hiroshi Nakamoto and Richard Miyazato of Carelife, Inc. to provide skilled care door-to-door escort services for Nisei veterans, wives and widows. For more information, contact Carelife, Inc. at 310-373-6030.

A new book has just been added to our Resource Center Library: The Nisei Soldier, 4th Edition by Professor of History (Emeritus) Edwin Nakasone contains historical essays about the Japanese American soldiers who served in World War II and the Korean War.

Professor Nakasone was one of our interview subjects in the recently-completed project for the US Army's Center for Military History to record the oral histories of Nisei soldiers who served during the Allied occupation of Japan.

We all want security for the future, which is why we are told to plan for retirement. Most of us hold retirement savings in assets such as IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s and pensions. If you are like many people, you've held these assets for a long time and have seen them grow.

Because of the way these funds are distributed, you likely will not use all of your retirement money during your lifetime.

So, the question for many individuals is, "What will I do with my unspent retirement savings?"

If you are like most people, you will designate family members as beneficiaries of your retirement accounts. The problem with doing this is that a considerable portion of your savings will never go to your loved ones.

Click here for a brochure that gives you some tax efficient ways to help you, your family and your favorite charitable causes (like the Go For Broke National Education Center!).

In 1916, author Lily Hardy Hammond wrote, "You don't pay love back; you pay it forward."

We can never pay back the love that fueled the Issei and Nisei's selflessness and sacrifice.

But we can pay it forward by passing their values and life lessons on to our children and grandchildren.

If you aren't already a member (or haven't renewed your membership), please consider signing up for membership today to help us make a positive impact in the world by passing forward the legacy of the Nisei soldiers.

Join today!